Proverbs 3:20

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry ASV (1901)

What does Proverbs 3:20 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “By his knowledge the depths were broken up, And the skies drop down the dew.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

By his knowledge the depths were broken up, And the skies drop down the dew.
Proverbs 3:20 — American Standard Version

Context — Proverbs 3

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
20By his knowledge the depths were broken up, And the skies drop down the dew.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Such [is] the way of an adulterous woman, etc.] It is equally unknown as the way of a man with a maid; it is difficult to detect her, she takes so much care and caution, and uses so many artful methods to conceal her wickedness from her husband; though she lives in adultery, it is in a most private manner, and carried on so secretly and artfully that she is not easily discovered; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth; like one that eats what he should not, wipes his mouth that it might not be known or suspected he had ate anything; so such an adulteress commits the sin of adultery; and when she has done looks as grave and demure, and carries it so to her husband and all her friends, as if she was…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Compare Genesis 1:7; Genesis 7:11; Job 38:0. Looking upon the face of Nature, men see two storehouses of the living water, without which it would be waste and barren. From the “depths” rush forth the surging waves, from the “clouds” falls the gentle rain or “dew;” but both alike are ordered by the Divine Wisdom. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“The depths - That great abyss contained in the bowels of the earth, breaks forth into fountains and rivers. Proverbs 3:21”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“the depths: Gen 1:9, Gen 7:11; Job 38:8-11; Psa 104:8, Psa 104:9 the clouds: Gen 27:28, Gen 27:37-39; Deu 33:28; Job 36:27, Job 36:28, Job 38:26-28; Psa 65:9-12; Jer 14:22; Joe 2:23 Proverbs 3:21”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification